Vinyl pressings
by Freddy Quinn · 1957
Wer Das Vergißt / Heimatlos was first pressed on vinyl in 1957. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
9 pressings came out in 1957, the album's first year, in 3 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
55 178 H III △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 A D B 7 GRunout side A, variant 1
55 178 H II △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 B F B 7 HRunout side B, variant 1
55 178 H II △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 A W B 7Runout side A, variant 2
55 179 H △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 B Y B 7Runout side B, variant 2
55 178 H III △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 A B 7 CRunout side A, stamped
55 179 H III △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 B B 7 GRunout side B, stamped
55 178 H III △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 A B 7 XRunout side A
55 179 H IV △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 B B 7 YRunout side B
55 178 H II Made in Germany 2 3 3 8 1 A O B 7 NRunout side A, variant 1
55 179 H II Made in Germany 2 3 3 8 1 B P B 7 VRunout side B, variant 1
55 178 H II ∆Made in Germany∆ 2 3 3 8 1 A O B 7 PRunout side A, variant 2
55 179 H ∆Made in Germany∆ 2 3 3 8 1 B Q B 7 FRunout side B, variant 2
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Denmark | Polydor H 50381First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1957 | France | Polydor 23381First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor 23 381 / Polydor 45 - 23 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor 50 381First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor 23 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor 23 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor 50381First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor 23 381 / Polydor 45 - 23 381First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Mono · Mono |
| 1957 | Germany | Polydor 50381First yearShellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single | Shellac, 10", 78 RPM, Single |
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Germany | Polydor 23 3817", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Mono · Mono | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Reissue, Mono · Mono |
10 vinyl pressings of Wer Das Vergißt / Heimatlos are listed here, from 3 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1957, in Germany, Denmark, France. One of them is Polydor 23 381.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use 23 381, 50 381, 50381, H 50381) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, 55 178 H III △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 A D B 7 G and 55 178 H II △Made in Germany△ 2 3 3 8 1 B F B 7 H. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
